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Brainlag

Study guides

Short guides on how to study, each with the tool that goes with it.

Start here3 min read

Active recall: why testing yourself beats rereading

Close the book and try to remember. It's harder than rereading, and that's why it works.

Rereading makes stuff look familiar. Testing yourself makes it stick.
Getting answers wrong is fine. You'll remember the fix better.
Short self-tests spread over a few days beat one long session.

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Memory3 min readActive recall: why testing yourself beats rereadingClose the book and try to remember. It's harder than rereading, and that's why it works.

Writing and notes3 min readHow to plan an essay, from the question to a finished outlineWork out what the question wants, pick your answer, then plan one point per paragraph.

Writing and notes3 min readNote-taking methods compared: which one fits your class?Outline, Cornell, mind maps, charts: match the method to how the lesson is organised.

Focus and planning3 min readThe Pomodoro Technique: how to use it for studying25 minutes on one task, 5 minutes off. Simple, and it makes starting a lot easier.

Focus and planning3 min readHow to make a revision timetable you actually stick toStart from your real free time and weakest topics, and leave room for life to happen.

Memory3 min readSpaced repetition: how it works and how to schedule your reviewsReview just as you start to forget, at longer and longer gaps. It beats cramming.

Focus and planning3 min readStudy breaks: how long they should be and what to do in themHow long to stop for, what to do, and how to play a quick game without losing the evening.

Writing and notes3 min readHow to type faster and more accuratelyLearn the home row, stop looking down, and get accurate before you get fast.